SEATTLE — Two gun initiatives headed toward Washington’s November ballot have attracted nearly $3.6 million in contributions so far.
According the Public Disclosure Commission, the people in favor of new background check requirements for gun purchases — supporters of Initiative 594 — have raised nearly $2.7 million. The groups opposing that initiative and supporting one on protecting gun rights — Initiative 591 — have raised about $800,000.
The biggest donations to the background checks initiative have come from one family — Nick and Lenore Hanauer. The venture capitalist and business manager have given nearly half a million dollars.
The biggest donations to the gun rights initiative have come from three groups: the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, the Gun Owners Action League and the Washington Arms Collectors.
